Information processing method, information processing system, information processing apparatus, and program

ABSTRACT

An information processing method includes: grouping temporally consecutive data into a plurality of groups based on a reference defined in advance and storing the grouped data; reading, in response to an access request from an external apparatus, target data to be a target of the request from a first group including the target data and outputting the read target data to the external apparatus; and reading, in response to the reading of the target data, at least part of data from a second group different from the first group as read-ahead target data.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, aninformation processing system, an information processing apparatus, anda program that, for example, store video data or the like and output itto an external apparatus or the like.

From the past, there is known a storage system that, for example, storescontent data such as imaged video data and outputs the data in responseto a request from the external apparatus or the like. For example, thestorage system outputs the video data or the like to an editingapparatus so that editing processing is performed.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2008-041020(hereinafter, referred to as Patent Document 1) describes a disk devicethat stores a file, a client computer that instructs to perform a fileoperation such as file input/output, and a file server provided betweenthe disk device and the client computer. According to the instructionfrom the client computer, the file server appropriately operates thefile stored on the disk device (see paragraph [0015], FIGS. 1 and 2, andthe like of Patent Document 1).

SUMMARY

In recent years, for example, content data to be a target of an editingoperation or the like has increased in volume. For such data, it isdesirable to realize a storage system that makes efficient accesspossible.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, there is a need forproviding an information processing method, an information processingsystem, an information processing apparatus, and a program for realizinga storage system that makes efficient access possible.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is providedan information processing method including grouping temporallyconsecutive data into a plurality of groups based on a reference definedin advance and storing the grouped data.

In response to an access request from an external apparatus, target datato be a target of the request is read from a first group including thetarget data and the read target data is outputted to the externalapparatus.

In response to the reading of the target data, at least part of datafrom a second group different from the first group is read as read-aheadtarget data.

In this information processing method, the temporally consecutive datais grouped into the plurality of groups based on the reference definedin advance and stored. Then, the target data to be the target of theaccess request is read from the first group and outputted. In responseto the reading of the target data, the read-ahead target data is readfrom the second group different from the first group. Thus, byappropriately setting the reference and appropriately grouping theconsecutive data, it is possible to realize a storage system that makesefficient access possible.

The temporally consecutive data may be a plurality of temporallyconsecutive frame images. In this case, the plurality of groups may eachinclude at least one or more of the frame images. Further, the targetdata may be a target frame image to be the target of the request.Further, the read-ahead target data may be at least one or more of theframe images included in the second group.

In this information processing method, the temporally consecutive frameimages are stored. The consecutive frame images are used as, forexample, moving-image data, and hence often have large volume. For suchdata, the storage system that makes the efficient access possible isrealized.

The storing the grouped data may include storing the plurality of frameimages by a first storage unit configured to store the frame images andto have a first output capability for outputting the stored frame imagesand by a second storage unit configured to have a second outputcapability lower than the first output capability.

In this case, the reading target data may include outputting the targetframe image stored on the first storage unit to the external apparatus.

The reading at least part of data may include reading the read-aheadtarget frame image as the read-ahead target data from the second storageunit and causing the first storage unit to store the read-ahead targetframe image.

In this information processing method, the first storage unit configuredto have the first output capability and the second storage unitconfigured to have the second output capability lower than the firstoutput capability are used. Then, the target frame image stored on thefirst storage unit having the higher output capability is outputted tothe external apparatus. Further, the read-ahead target frame imagestored on the second storage unit having the lower output capability isstored on the first storage unit. With this, the efficient accessbecomes possible. Further, it is possible to reduce the costs necessaryfor realizing the storage system.

The reference defined in advance may be grouping for each scene. In thiscase, the storing the grouped data may include grouping the plurality offrame images into a plurality of scenes as the plurality of groups andstoring the grouped frame images.

In this information processing method, the plurality of frame images aregrouped into the plurality of scenes and stored. For example, theplurality of frame images are often accessed for each scene. Therefore,by performing grouping as described above, the efficient access becomespossible.

The information processing method may further include analyzing each ofthe plurality of scenes. In this case, the reading at least part of datamay include reading the read-ahead target frame image based on theanalysis result.

In this information processing method, each of the scenes is analyzedand the read-ahead target frame image is read based on the analysisresult. With this, for example, the read-ahead processing and the likeon the plurality of scenes having a high correlation with each otherbecome possible. With this, the efficient access becomes possible.

The storing the grouped data may include storing the plurality of frameimages by a plurality of first storage units and a plurality of secondstorage units.

By appropriately using the plurality of first storage units and theplurality of second storage units in this manner, the efficient accessbecomes possible. Further, it is possible to reduce the costs.

The information processing method may further include receiving, fromthe external apparatus, use mode information of the target frame image.In this case, the reading at least part of data may include reading theread-ahead target frame image based on the received use modeinformation.

In this information processing method, the read-ahead target frame imageis read based on the use mode information received from the externalapparatus. With this, the efficient access becomes possible.

The information processing method may further include changing theplurality of groups according to an instruction from a user, theinstruction being transmitted through the external apparatus.

The plurality of groups may be changed according to the instruction ofthe user in this manner. With this, the efficient access becomespossible.

The storing the grouped data may include storing the consecutive databefore grouping into the plurality of groups and grouping, at apredetermined timing before the access request from the externalapparatus is received, the stored consecutive data into the plurality ofgroups and storing the grouped data.

For example, at a timing at which the processing load of a computer thatexecutes this information processing method is lower, the groupingprocessing may be performed.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is providedan information processing system including a first storage apparatus, asecond storage apparatus, and a control apparatus.

The first storage apparatus is configured to group temporallyconsecutive data into a plurality of groups based on a reference definedin advance and store at least part of the consecutive data and to have afirst output capability for outputting the stored data.

The second storage apparatus is configured to store at least part of thedata grouped into the plurality of groups and to have a second outputcapability for outputting the stored data, the second output capabilitybeing lower than the first output capability.

The control apparatus is configured to read, in response to an accessrequest from an external apparatus, target data to be a target of therequest from a first group including the target data and cause the firststorage apparatus to output the read target data to the externalapparatus and to cause, in response to the reading of the target data,the second storage apparatus to output at least part of data included ina second group different from the first group to the first storageapparatus as read-ahead target data.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is providedan information processing apparatus including a grouping unit, a firststorage unit, a second storage unit, an output unit, and a reading unit.

The grouping unit is configured to group temporally consecutive datainto a plurality of groups based on a reference defined in advance.

The first storage unit is configured to store at least part of the datagrouped into the plurality of groups and to have a first outputcapability for outputting the stored data.

The second storage unit is configured to store at least part of the datagrouped into the plurality of groups and to have a second outputcapability for outputting the stored data, the second output capabilitybeing lower than the first output capability.

The output unit is configured to read, in response to an access requestfrom an external apparatus, target data to be a target of the requestfrom a first group including the target data and to output the readtarget data to the external apparatus through the first storage unit.

The reading unit is configured to read, in response to the reading ofthe target data by the output unit, at least part of data included in asecond group different from the first group from the second storage unitas read-ahead data and to cause the first storage unit to store the readdata.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provideda program that causes a computer as the grouping unit, the first storageunit, the second storage unit, the output unit, and the reading unit,which are described above.

As described above, according to the embodiments of the presentdisclosure, it is possible to realize a storage system that makesefficient access possible.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detaileddescription of best mode embodiments thereof, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of aninformation processing system according to a first embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of a flow of captureprocessing of material data outputted from a file output apparatus shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the material data to be captured inthis embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of a flow of distributionprocessing on a plurality of grouped scenes according to thisembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the example of the flow of thedistribution processing on the plurality of grouped scenes according tothis embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the example of the flow of thedistribution processing on the plurality of grouped scenes according tothis embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of data output processing ofthe information processing system in this embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the flowchart shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the flowchart shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining one of effects obtained when the numberof first and second nodes is increased in this embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing one example of a UI displayed by adisplay unit of a client apparatus in a second embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic views each showing moving-image datacaptured in this embodiment;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic views each showing an example ofread-ahead cache processing depending on a use mode of a target frameimage according to this embodiment;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic views each showing the example of theread-ahead cache processing depending on the use mode of the targetframe image according to this embodiment;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic views each showing the example of theread-ahead cache processing depending on the use mode of the targetframe image according to this embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of aninformation processing system according to a third embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing moving-image data to be captured inthe information processing system according to this embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a view for explaining how to arrange the moving-image datashown in FIG. 17 in a second node;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic views each showing reading of dividedscenes when read-ahead cache processing in an effect edit mode shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B is performed in this embodiment;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic views each showing reading of thedivided scenes when read-ahead cache processing in a previewreproduction mode (forward direction) shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B isperformed in this embodiment;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are schematic views each showing reading of thedivided scenes when read-ahead cache processing in a previewreproduction mode (backward direction) shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B isperformed in this embodiment; and

FIGS. 22A and 22B are schematic views for explaining a modified examplerelating to grouping of the moving-image data.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment Configuration of Information Processing System

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of aninformation processing system according to a first embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

An information processing system 100 functions as a storage system. Afile output apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 outputs material data such asvideo data and audio data to the information processing system 100.

An access request from a client apparatus 20 being an external apparatusto the material data stored on the information processing system 100 istransmitted. In response to the access request, the informationprocessing system 100 outputs to the client apparatus 20 target data tobe a target of the access request.

The client apparatus 20 of this embodiment performs, on the materialdata read from the information processing system 100, editingprocessing, preview processing, and the like. In this embodiment, avirtual environment or the like is used, so that the whole of theinformation processing system 100 is recognized by the client apparatus20 as single storage.

In this embodiment, the information processing system 100, the fileoutput apparatus 10, and the client apparatus 20 are connected to oneanother over network 30. As the network 30, for example, a local areanetwork (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) is used. However, the kind ofthe network 30, a protocol therefor, and the like are not limited.Alternatively, the information processing system 100, the file outputapparatus 10, and the client apparatus 20 may be directly connected toone another without the network 30.

The information processing system 100 includes first nodes 40 serving asa first storage apparatus, second nodes 50 serving as a second storageapparatus, and a control apparatus 60 that controls respectiveoperations of the first and second nodes 40 and 50. It should be notedthat the first nodes 40 correspond to a first storage unit. Further, thesecond nodes 50 correspond to a second storage unit.

The first nodes 40, the second nodes 50, and the control apparatus 60are connected to one another over a network 70. In FIG. 1, the state inwhich the control apparatus 60 controls the respective nodes 40 and 60is shown and the control apparatus 60 is also connected to the network70.

Although the network 70 is typically a LAN, the network 70 is notlimited thereto. The network 70 is connected to the above-mentionednetwork 30. With this, the apparatuses of the information processingsystem 100, the file output apparatus 10, and the client apparatus 20are connected to one another.

In this embodiment, two first nodes 40 a and 40 b and two second nodes50 a and 50 b are used. However, the number of first nodes 40 and thenumber of second nodes 50 are not limited.

For each of the first nodes 40, the second nodes 50, and the controlapparatus 60, for example, a computer such as a PC is used. Informationprocessing by the first nodes 40, the second nodes 50, and the controlapparatus 60 is realized by cooperation of software stored on a ROM orthe like and a hardware resource such as a PC. Specifically, a CPU loadsa program configuring the software stored on the ROM or the like into aRAM and executes it, to thereby perform the information processing.

The program is installed into each apparatus via, for example, arecording medium. Alternatively, the program may be installed over aglobal network or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control apparatus 60 includes a storage manager61 as a functional block. This is realized by, for example, the CPU inthe control apparatus 60. Further, the control apparatus 60 includes anon-volatile storage device 62 constituted of, for example, a hard diskdrive (HDD), a flash memory, and other solid-state memories. The storagedevice 62 stores a database 63 to which the storage manager 61 refers.The storage manager 61 refers to the database 63 to control each of thefirst and second nodes 40 and 50.

The first and second nodes 40 and 50 store at least part of the materialdata outputted from the file output apparatus 10. Then, according to theinstruction from the storage manager 61, specified material data is readand outputted to a specified transfer destination.

Each of the first nodes 40 has a first output capability for storing andoutputting the material data. Herein, the “output capability” means acapability relating to a response after reception of a transferinstruction of the stored material data. That is, this capability isdefined by a time period from reception of an instruction to transfermaterial data (or part of material data) having a predetermined volumeto a predetermined output destination to completion of transfer of thematerial data to the specified destination.

A fast-response storage apparatus has a high output capability and isreferred to as a so-called high-bandwidth storage apparatus. Aslow-response storage apparatus has a low output capability and isreferred to as a so-called low-bandwidth storage apparatus.

The output capability is influenced by, for example, the kind of thestorage device for storing the material data. For example, a storageapparatus installing a storage device having high I/O throughput has ahigher output capability. As such a storage device, for example, asolid-state drive (SSD), a redundant arrays of inexpensive disks (RAID)device in which a plurality of discs are grouped by a RAID technique, orone in which discs are grouped by an internet small computer systeminterface (iSCSI) initiator.

As a storage device having I/O throughput lower than the one describedabove, there is a storage device using an HDD or a tape, for example.

Further, the output capability is influenced also by the kind of anetwork interface card (NIC) to be installed into each storageapparatus. For example, a storage apparatus installing an NIC of 10 Ghas a higher output capability than a storage apparatus installing anNIC of 1 G.

Additionally, the output capability may be influenced also by the kindof cables to be used for connection to the networks, processing speed ofthe CPU, and the like. That is, the output capability may depend onvarious conditions of the hardware and software. Therefore, as a resultof considering other conditions in a comprehensive way, there may be acase where the storage apparatus installing the NIC of 1 G is determinedto have a higher output capability than the storage apparatus installingthe NIC of 10 G, for example.

In this embodiment, the first nodes 40 each having a first outputcapability and the second nodes 50 each having a second outputcapability lower than the first output capability are used. That is, thefirst nodes 40 have a faster response to the data transfer instructionthan the second nodes 50. In FIG. 1, the state in which the first nodes40 each have a high bandwidth and the second nodes each have a lowbandwidth is shown.

It should be noted that the first and second output capabilities onlyneed to be relatively compared. That is, it is unnecessary to define areference for defining the first and second output capabilities. As aresult of relatively comparing the output capabilities of the storageapparatuses, the storage apparatus having a higher output capabilityonly needs to be used as the first node 40 having the first outputcapability. Similarly, the storage apparatus having a lower outputcapability only needs to be used as the second node 50 having the secondoutput capability.

In general, in many cases, the high-bandwidth storage apparatus isexpensive and has a lower storage capacity and the low-bandwidth storageapparatus is not expensive and has a higher storage capacity. Forexample, by constituting the storage system of a plurality ofhigh-bandwidth storage apparatuses, high-speed transfer of the materialdata to the client apparatus becomes possible. However, in many cases,it is difficult to do so in terms of costs and the like.

Thus, in this embodiment, by appropriately combining the high-bandwidthstorage apparatus and the low-bandwidth storage apparatus, the storagesystem that makes efficient access possible is realized. As a result, itbecomes also possible to reduce the costs.

The degree of output capability of the storage apparatus to be used forthe high-bandwidth first node 40 and the degree of output capability ofthe storage apparatus to be used for the low-bandwidth second node 50only need to be appropriately set. For example, the first and secondnodes 40 and 50 only need to be appropriately selected so that desirablevalues of access speed to the material data, cost performance, and thelike are obtained.

Therefore, for example, there may be a case where the storageapparatuses used as the first nodes in the information processing systemaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure are used as thesecond nodes in other information processing systems according toembodiments of the present disclosure. In this case, a storage apparatushaving a further higher output capability is used as the first node.

Off course, a reference for selecting the first and second nodes 40 and50 may be appropriately set.

Further, in this embodiment, the two first nodes 40 a and 40 b are used.Those first nodes 40 a and 40 b do not need to be the same. Further, thefirst nodes 40 a and 40 b do not need to have the same outputcapability.

The same is applied to the two second nodes 50 a and 50 b. That is, thefirst output capability and the second output capability may be eachdefined with some differences. For example, it is assumed that fourstorage apparatuses having a sequentially increased output capabilitiesare provided. In this case, the storage apparatus having the highestoutput capability and the storage apparatus having the second highestoutput capability may be used as the first nodes 40 a and 40 b. Theremaining two storage apparatuses may be used as the second nodes 50 aand 50 b.

[Operation of Information Processing System]

Capture processing on the material data outputted from the file outputapparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing oneexample of a flow of the capture processing. FIG. 3 is a schematic viewshowing the material data to be captured in this embodiment.

Temporarily Temporally consecutive data is outputted from the fileoutput apparatus 10 to the information processing system 100 as thematerial data (Step 101). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, thevideo file 11 is outputted to the information processing system 100.

The video file 11 stores moving-image data 12 corresponding to apredetermined period of time. As shown in FIG. 3, the moving-image data12 is constituted of a plurality of temporally consecutive frame images13. The frame images 13 are generated at a frame rate of 30 fps (frameper second) or 60 fps, for example. Actually, in many cases, a largernumber of frame images 13 than as shown in FIG. 3 are captured.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of frame images 13 are generated along atime axis. That is, the frame images 13 located on a left-hand side asviewed in FIG. 3 correspond to a first half of the moving-image data 12and the frame images 13 located on a right-hand side correspond to asecond half of the moving-image data 12.

A storage worker 80 performs grouping processing on the moving-imagedata 12. The storage worker 80 is a collective term of the nodes 40 and50 shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the first node 40 a shown inFIG. 1 groups the plurality of frame images 13 into a plurality ofgroups based on a reference defined in advance (Step 102).

The reference defined in advance according to this embodiment isgrouping for each scene. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality offrame images 13 are grouped into a plurality of scenes S1 to S5. Theplurality of scenes S1 to S5 as the plurality of groups each include atleast one or more of the frame images 13.

The grouping processing into the plurality of scenes S1 to S5 isperformed by, for example, calculating a difference between two adjacentframe images 13. When the difference between the two frame images 13 islarger than a predetermined threshold, a point between the two frameimages 13 is determined as a scene change point C. Then, at the scenechange point C, the frame images 13 are grouped into the plurality ofscenes S1 to S5. Otherwise, generally known scene change detectionprocessing may be appropriately used.

For example, it is assumed that the material data is news video data.Further, it is assumed that the video data includes a scene where anewscaster broadcasts news at a studio, a scene where a landscapeassociated with the news is shown, and a scene where a news reporter infront of the landscape is zoomed in. In such a case, by performing thegrouping processing, the material data is grouped into a plurality ofscenes of the studio scene, the landscape scene, and the news reporterscene.

The first node 40 a that has performed the grouping processing transmitsinformation on the grouping result to the storage manager 61 (Step 103).The storage manager 61 stores a management table based on theinformation on the grouping result on the storage device 62 as thedatabase 63.

The moving-image data 12 grouped into the plurality of scenes S1 to S5is distributed to the first nodes 40 a and 40 b and the second nodes 50a and 50 b. In this embodiment, first, the whole of the moving-imagedata 12 is stored on the first node 40 a that performs the groupingprocessing. The storage manager 61 determines storage destinations ofthe respective scenes S1 to S5 based on the information on the groupingresult. Then, according to an instruction of the storage manager 61, theplurality of scenes S1 to S5 are re-arranged.

For example, based on the positions of the scenes S1 to S5 in themoving-image data 12, the data volume of the scenes S1 to S5, thestorage capacity of the nodes 40 and 50, the output capability of thenodes 40 and 50, the number of nodes 40 and 50, or the like, thedistribution positions of the plurality of scenes S1 to S5 may beappropriately determined.

Information on the distribution positions of the plurality of scenes S1to S5 is transmitted to the storage manager 61. The storage manager 61stores the information on the distribution positions on the storagedevice 62. Therefore, the storage manager 61 is capable of managingwhich data of the scenes S1 to S5 is arranged in any one of the nodes 40and 50.

Before the whole of the moving-image data 12 is stored on the first node40 a, arrangement destinations of scenes each determined as a group maybe sequentially determined. Then, the scenes may be sequentiallytransferred to the determined arrangement destinations.

Alternatively, the plurality of grouped scenes S1 to S5 are arranged inpredetermined distribution positions of the first and second nodes 40and 50. The predetermined distribution positions are set as default, forexample. From this state, according to the instruction of the storagemanager 61, the plurality of scenes S1 to S5 may be re-arranged.

FIGS. 4 to 6 are schematic views each showing one example of a flow ofthe distribution processing on the plurality of grouped scenes S1 to S5.

In this embodiment, each of the scenes S1 to S5 is further divided intoa first half 14 and a second half 15. The first half 14 and the secondhalf 15 each include one or more of the frame images 13. Division ratioand the like of the first half 14 and the second half 15 may beappropriately set.

Depending on the data volume of the scenes S1 to S5, the storagecapacity of the nodes 40 and 50, and the number of nodes 40 and 50, asingle scene is divided into three or more parts. Alternatively, settingthat a scene having large data volume is divided into three or moreparts and a scene having small data volume is not divided may be made.

As shown in FIG. 4, a transfer instruction of the second half 15 of thescene S1 divided into two parts is outputted from the storage manager 61to the first node 40 a (Step 104). When receiving the transferinstruction, the first node 40 a transfers the second half 15 of thescene S1 to the specified second node 50 a as the transfer destination(Step 105).

As shown in FIG. 5, according to the instruction from the storagemanager 61, the first node 40 a creates a copy 14′ of the first half 14of the scene S1 and transfers the copy 14′ of the first half 14 to thesecond node 50 b (Steps 106 and 107).

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, according to the instruction of the storagemanager 61, the first half 14 and the second half 15 of the scene S2 arearranged. In this embodiment, the first half 14 of the scene S2 istransferred from the first node 40 a to the first node 40 b (Step 108).Further, the second half 15 is transferred from the first node 40 a tothe second node 50 a (Step 109). Then, the first half 14 is transferredfrom the first node 40 a to the second node 50 b (Step 110).

It should be noted that the data of the whole of the scene S2 may betransferred from the first node 40 a to the first node 40 b. Then, thefirst node 40 b that has received the instruction of the storage manager61 may perform transfer processing on the first half 14 and the secondhalf 15 of the scene S2.

Regarding the data of the scene S3 and the subsequent scenes, the firsthalf 14 and the second half 15 of each of those scenes are appropriatelyarranged in the second nodes 50 a and 50 b.

The arrangement positions of the respective scenes S1 to S5 when themoving-image data 12 is captured are not limited. In the informationprocessing system 100 according to this embodiment, the first nodes 40each having a high output capability are mainly used for cache. Further,the second nodes 50 each having a low output capability are mainly usedfor storage of the material data.

Therefore, the first half 14 of the scene S1, to which a first accessrequest is highly likely to be transmitted from the client apparatus 20,is stored on the first node 40 a. Further, the first half 14 of thesubsequent scene S2 is stored on the first node 40 b. Thus, theefficient access is realized. However, the present disclosure is notlimited thereto.

The method of outputting the moving-image data 12 to the clientapparatus 20 by the information processing system 100 will be described.FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of data output processing ofthe information processing system 100 in this embodiment. FIGS. 8 and 9are schematic views for explaining the flow.

In the information processing system 100, according to the accessrequest from the client apparatus 20, the target data to be the targetof the request is read from a first group including the target data andoutputted to the client apparatus 20.

As shown in FIG. 7, the access request transmitted from the clientapparatus 20 is received by the storage manager 61 (Step 201). Here, itis assumed that the client apparatus 20 receives the access request tothe frame image 13 of the scene S1.

The storage manager 61 reads the target frame image 16 to be the targetof the access request (see FIG. 3) from the scene S1 including thetarget frame image 16 and causes the first node 40 to output the targetframe image 16 to the client apparatus 20. The scene S1 including thetarget frame image 16 corresponds to the above-mentioned first group.

Specifically, the storage manager 61 refers to the stored database 63and detects the arrangement position of the target frame image 16 (Step202). Then, an instruction to transfer the target frame image to thehigh-bandwidth first node 40 is transmitted to the node 40 or 50 onwhich the target frame image 16 is stored. It should be noted that inthe case where the target frame image 16 is arranged in the first node40, the transfer instruction is not made.

The instruction to output the target frame image 16 to the clientapparatus 20 is transmitted from the storage manager 61 to the firstnode 40. With this, the target frame image 16 is outputted from thefirst node 40 to the client apparatus 20 (Step 203).

In response to the reading of the target frame image, in thisembodiment, the following data is transferred to the first node 40.These are data to be cached in the first node 40 in response to thereading of the target frame image 16.

First, as shown in FIG. 8, block data 17 including the target frameimage 16 in the scene S1 is transferred to the first node 40. The blockdata 17 is data including the target frame image 16 and the neighborhoodframe images 13 consecutive from the target frame image 16 (see FIG. 3).The transfer of the block data 17 may be performed parallel to thereading of the target frame image 16.

The block data 17 is cached so that reading or the like of the frameimages 13 along the time axis, which is necessary for a normalreproduction mode, can be performed at high speed, for example. Itshould be noted that, as the block data 17, the first half 14 or thesecond half 15 shown in FIG. 4 and the like may be transferred.Alternatively, the volume of the block data 17 may be appropriatelydefined upon caching.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, at least part of data is read asthe read-ahead target data from a second group different from theabove-mentioned first group. That is, block data 18 is read as one ormore read-ahead target frame images (see FIG. 3) from the scene S2different from the scene S1. Although the scene S2 is selected as thedifferent scene in this embodiment, the present disclosure is notlimited thereto. Further, although the block data 18 located in thefirst half of the scene S2 is read, the present disclosure is notlimited thereto.

The block data 18 is read from the second node 50 and transferred to thefirst node 40 (Step 204). Then, the block data 18 is stored on the firstnode 40. These operations are performed according to instructions fromthe storage manager 61.

It should be noted that Step 204 in FIG. 7 is not necessarily performedafter the output processing in Step 203. At approximately the same timeas or before the target frame image 16 is outputted to the clientapparatus 20, Step 208 may be performed in response to the reading ofthe target frame image 16. Alternatively, at approximately the same timeas the reading of the target frame image 16, Step 208 may be performed.

As shown in FIG. 9, by appropriately using the two first nodes 40 a and40 b and the two second nodes 50 a and 50 b, the read-ahead cacheprocessing as described above may be performed.

First, the block data 17 including the target frame image 16 istransferred to the first node 40 a. Then, the block data 18 in the sceneS2 as the read-ahead target frame image is transferred to the first node40 a. In addition, the block data 18 located in the first half of thescene S3 is transferred to the first node 40 b as the read-ahead targetframe image.

By using the plurality of the first nodes 40 a and 40 b in this manner,it becomes possible to widen a setting range of the volume and kind ofthe data to be read as the read-ahead frame image. With this, theefficient access becomes possible.

It should be noted that only the block data 18 of the scene S1 may bestored on the first node 40 a and the block data 18 of the scene S2 maybe stored on the first node 40 b. Also in this case, the block data 18of the different scene S2 is stored on the first node 40.

Further, three pieces of block data 17 and 18 relating to the scenes S1to S3 may be stored on the first node 40 a. Off course, a scene otherthan the scenes S2 and S3 may be selected as the different scene and theread-ahead target frame image may be read from the different scene.

As described above, in the information processing system 100 accordingto this embodiment and the information processing method to be executedby the information processing system 100, the temporally consecutivedata is grouped into the plurality of groups based on the referencedefined in advance and stored. Then, the target data to be the target ofthe access request is read from the first group and outputted. Inresponse to the reading of the target data, the read-ahead target datais read from the second group different from the first group. Therefore,by appropriately setting the reference and appropriately grouping theconsecutive data, it is possible to realize the storage system thatmakes the efficient access possible.

In this embodiment, the plurality of temporally consecutive frame images13 as the temporally consecutive data are stored as the moving-imagedata 12. In recent years, the moving-image data 12 has increased involume. For such large-volume data, it becomes possible to realize thestorage system that makes the efficient access possible.

Further, in this embodiment, the first node 40 having the first outputcapability and the second node 50 having the second output capabilitylower than the first output capability are used. Then, the target frameimage 16 stored on the first node 40 having the higher output capabilityis outputted to the client apparatus 20. Further, the read-ahead targetframe image stored on the second node 50 having the lower outputcapability is stored on the first node 40. With this, the efficientaccess becomes possible. Further, it is possible to reduce the costsnecessary for realizing the storage system.

In this embodiment, the plurality of frame images 13 are grouped intothe plurality of scenes S1 to S5 and stored. For example, the pluralityof frame images 13 are accessed for each of the scenes S1 to S5 in manycases. Therefore, by performing such grouping, prediction accuracy ofread-ahead cache is enhanced and the efficient access becomes possible.

For example, it is assumed that linear read-ahead processing along thetime axis is performed with the target data to be the target of theaccess request being the reference. That is, it is assumed that only theblock data 17 including frame images 10 minutes before and 10 minuteslater is cached with the target frame image 16 being the reference.

In such a case, if a user who uses the client apparatus 20 desires tochange to a different scene, it is likely that the cached block data 17becomes useless. In this case, the frame images 13 of the differentscene have to be read from the low-bandwidth node, which makes itdifficult to perform access processing at high speed. In thisembodiment, it is possible to realize the storage system that enableshigh-speed access to be achieved for the change to the different scene.

Further, in this embodiment, the two first nodes 40 a and 40 b and thetwo second nodes 50 a and 50 b are used. However, off course, two ormore first nodes 40 and two or more second nodes 50 may be used.

For example, in the case where the storage system available for editinga video is realized, the moving-image data has large volume, and hence anumber of nodes may be necessary. In this case, it is difficult toconstitute all the nodes of high-bandwidth nodes in terms of costs.Therefore, low-bandwidth nodes are often mixed.

Under such circumstances, for example, the low-bandwidth nodes becomebottlenecks and it may be difficult to achieve high throughput as thewhole of the storage system. Also, there is a fear that concentration ofdata access to a certain node causes this node to be a bottleneck. Thatis, in video production under large-volume data and distributed-storagecircumstances, it is a key point to efficiently retrieve desired data.

As described above, in the information processing system 100 accordingto this embodiment, it is possible to realize the storage system thatmakes the efficient access possible, and hence to prevent the problemsas described above.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first node 40 b and the second node 50 b arearranged to be parallel to the first node 40 a and the second node 50 a.Further, the first nodes 40 and the second nodes 50 are hierarchicallyarranged with respect to the client apparatus 20.

With this arrangement configuration, by, for example, sequentiallylinking the first and second nodes 40 and 50 in parallel, systematicscale-up can be easily performed. Further, algorithm for controlling alarger number of first and second nodes 40 and 50 can be also structuredwithout needing a significant change. Further, by increasing the numberof first and second nodes 40 and 50, it becomes possible to capturelarger-volume material data, and hence also to increase the accessspeed.

In addition, by increasing the number of first and second nodes 40 and50, the efficient access by a plurality of the client apparatuses 20 tothe material data becomes possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, toeach of client apparatuses 20 a and 20 b, the first nodes 40 a and 40 bto be used also for cache can be distributed. That is, even ifconcurrent access by the plurality of the client apparatuses 20 occurs,it is possible to prevent generation of a node to be a bottleneck.

Further, by using the plurality of the nodes 40 and 50, risks due tobreakdown of the nodes and the like can be dispersed. That is, in thecase where the storage system is constituted of a singlehigh-performance node, the storage system is stopped if the node breaksdown. In addition, a new high-performance node takes a high cost.However, in this embodiment, even if one node breaks down, another nodecan maintain the storage system. Further, for example, in the case wherethe low-bandwidth node breaks down, the cost for a new node is lower.

Second Embodiment

An information processing system according to a second embodiment of thepresent disclosure will be described. Hereinafter, descriptions of thesame configurations and actions as in the information processing system100 of the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

In the information processing system according to this embodiment, aclient apparatus transmits use mode information of a target frame image.The use mode information of the target frame image is informationshowing how to use the target frame image by the client apparatus. Forexample, information on various modes regarding reproduction and editingof the target frame image is transmitted to a storage manager.

Examples of such modes may include various modes such as a previewreproduction mode, a double-speed reproduction mode, a triple-speedreproduction mode, a digest reproduction mode, and an effect edit mode.In each reproduction mode, the forward direction and the backwarddirection may be set as different modes.

When receiving the use mode information, the storage manager reads aread-ahead target frame image based on the information. That is,read-ahead cache processing suitable for each use mode is realized sothat the efficient access becomes possible. Now, this will be describedin detail.

FIG. 11 shows a UI 21 to be displayed by a display unit of a clientapparatus. As shown in the figure, thumbnail images 23 for each ofgrouped scenes may be displayed along a time line 22. The thumbnailimages 23 are generated by, for example, compressing a head frame imageof each of the scenes.

Information on the UI 21 including the thumbnail images 23 is generatedby the storage manager. Then, the information is transmitted to theclient apparatus as metadata of captured material data. In this manner,the information on the grouping of the material data may be transmittedto the client apparatus.

The user can perform reproduction and editing of the moving-image datawhile viewing the UI 21. The information on the grouping is not limitedto the thumbnail images 23. For example, time information of a scenechange point may be used.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic views each showing moving-image data 212captured in this embodiment. In this embodiment, for the sake ofdescription, it is assumed that the moving-image data 212 grouped intoseven scenes S1 to S7 is captured. The scenes S1 to S7 each include thesame number of frame images. Therefore, the scenes have an equal length.

Further, the solid frame on the moving-image data 212 shown in each ofFIGS. 12A and 12B indicates block data 217 including a target frameimage to be a target of an access request. On the other hand, the dashedframes on the moving-image data 212 each indicate block data 218 as aread-ahead target frame image to be read from a different scene.

The block data 217 is block data linearly predicted from the targetframe image. Hereinafter, this block data 217 is referred to as linearblock data 217. On the other hand, the block data 218 to be read aheadfrom the different scene is referred to as read-ahead block data 218.

Further, respective pieces of the block data and ratio thereof areexpressed as follows:

linear block data in scene SX (X=1 to 7) is LX;

read-ahead block data in scene SX (X=1 to 7) is FX; and

ratio is (LX, FX)=(ratio).

For example, the state shown in FIG. 12A is expressed by (L3, F4)=(1,1).

Further, the state shown in FIG. 12B is expressed by (L3, F4, F5)=(2, 1,1).

The linear block data 217 and the read-ahead block data 218 that areexpressed in this manner are cached by a high-bandwidth first node.

FIGS. 13A to 15B are schematic views each showing an example ofread-ahead cache processing depending on the use mode of the targetframe image. In each of the examples of FIGS. 13A to 15B, a case wherethe client apparatus transmits an access request to a frame image in thescene S3 is shown.

FIGS. 13A and 133 are schematic views each showing read-ahead cacheprocessing in the case where the use mode information of the targetframe image is the effect edit mode. Herein, the effect edit mode is amode in which the editing processing is performed for each of the scenesS1 to S7. For example, processing of changing a color setting for eachscene is assumed. However, the contents of editing are not limited andany editing processing may be performed for each of the scenes S1 to S7.

FIG. 13A is a view in the case where the target frame image is locatedin the first half of the scene S3. In this case, the linear block data217 located in the first half of the scene S1 is read. Further, theread-ahead block data 218 located in the second half of the scene S2 andthe read-ahead block data 218 located in the first half of the scene S4are cached. The ratio of the respective block data is expressed by (F2,L3, F4)=(2, 2, 1).

In the effect edit mode in which the editing processing for each of thescenes is performed, the editing processing is performed at the scenechange point C in many cases. Therefore, the second half of the scene S2that is a scene immediately before the scene S3 and the first half ofthe scene S4 that is a scene immediately after the scene S3 are cached.Further, the target frame image is located in the first half of thescene S3, and hence the read-ahead block data 218 of the scene S2 iscached more than the read-ahead block data 218 of the scene S4.

FIG. 13B is a view in the case where the target frame image is locatedin the second half of the scene S3. In this case, the linear block data217, the read-ahead block data 218 located in the first half of thescene S4, and the read-ahead block data 218 located in the first half ofthe scene S5 are cached. The ratio of the respective block data isexpressed by (L3, F4, F5)=(2, 2, 1).

In the case of FIG. 13B, the first half of the scene S4 that is a sceneimmediately after the scene S3 and the first half of the scene S5 thatis a second scene following the scene S3 are cached. Then, the blockdata 218 of the scene S4 closer to the target frame image is morecached. In this example, it is assumed that the editing processing ischronologically performed. Therefore, the first half of the scene S5that is a second scene following the scene S3 is cached. However,instead of the first half of the scene S5, the second half of the sceneS2 that is a scene immediately before the scene S3 may be cached.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic views each showing read-ahead cacheprocessing in the case where the use mode information of the targetframe image is the preview reproduction mode. Here, a reproduction modein a forward direction is set. Further, in this reproduction mode,information on the scene including the frame image to which the accessrequest has been made is used. That is, history information onreproduced scenes is created by the storage manager and stored on thestorage device.

FIG. 14A is a view showing a case where the access request to the frameimage of the scene S3 is transmitted when the frame image of theprevious scene S2 is outputted. In this case, the linear block data 217and the first half of each of the consecutive scenes S4 to S6 after thescene S3 (as read-ahead block data 218) are cached. The ratio thereof isexpressed by (L3, F4, F5, F6)=(2, 1, 1, 1).

FIG. 14B is a view showing a case where the access request to the frameimage of the scene S3 is transmitted when the frame image of theprevious scene S4 is outputted. In this case, the linear block data 217and the first half of each of the consecutive scenes S2 and S1 beforethe scene S3 (as read-ahead block data 218) are cached. The ratiothereof is expressed by (F1, F2, L3)=(1, 1, 2).

In the preview reproduction mode, many scene changes may be performed.Therefore, with respect to different scenes as many as possible, theframe images are cached ahead. It should be noted that in the example ofFIG. 14B, there are only the scenes S1 and S2 before the scene S3.However, if there is a further scene, the three scenes are read ahead asshown in the example of FIG. 14A.

Further, the examples of FIGS. 14A and 14B relate to the reproductionmode in the forward direction, and hence the first half of each of thescenes is cached as the read-ahead block data 218. Then, based on aposition relationship with the previously reproduced scene, it isdetermined whether consecutive scenes after the scene S3 are read aheador consecutive scenes before the scene S3 are read ahead.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic views each showing the read-ahead cacheprocessing in the case where the use mode information of the targetframe image is the preview reproduction mode (backward direction). Alsoin this reproduction mode, the history information of the reproducedscene is used.

FIG. 15A is a view showing a case where the access request to the frameimage of the scene S3 is transmitted when the frame image of theprevious scene S2 is outputted. In this case, the linear block data 217and the second half of each of the consecutive scenes S4 to S6 after thescene S3 (as read-ahead block data 218) are cached. The ratio thereof isexpressed by (L3, F4, F5, F6)=(2, 1, 1, 1).

FIG. 15B is a view showing a case where the access request to the frameimage of the scene S3 is transmitted when the frame image of theprevious scene S4 is outputted. In this case, the linear block data 217and the second half of each of the consecutive scenes S2 and S1 beforethe scene S3 (as read-ahead block data 218) are cached. The ratiothereof is expressed by (F1, F2, L3)=(1, 1, 2).

In these examples, because of the reproduction mode in the backwarddirection, the second half of each of the scenes is cached as theread-ahead block data 218. Then, based on a position relationship withthe previously reproduced scene, it is determined whether theconsecutive scenes after the scene S3 are read ahead or the consecutivescenes before the scene S3 are read ahead.

Otherwise, for example, in the case where the double-speed reproductionmode or the triple-speed reproduction mode is set as the use mode, thefollowing read-ahead cache processing may be performed. Specifically, inthe case of the double-speed reproduction mode or the like, a fewerscene change instructions can be considered to be made, and hence theratio of the read-ahead cache from the different scenes is decreased andthe ratio of the linear block data 217 is increased. According to such asetting, the read-ahead cache processing may be performed.

Further, in the case where the digest reproduction mode is set as theuse mode, data of middle part of each of the scenes may be cached as theread-ahead block data 218. This is based on conception that the middlepart of each scene is highly likely to contain a main video.

As described above, in the information processing system according tothis embodiment and the information processing method to be executed bythe information processing system, based on the use mode informationreceived from the client apparatus, the read-ahead target frame image isappropriately read. With this, the read-ahead cache processing suitablefor each use mode is realized and the efficient access becomes possible.

It should be noted that the selection method for the read-ahead blockdata 218 and the ratio of the respective block data that are describedabove are not limited. The cache method for the read-ahead block data218, which is optimal in accordance with handling of the material databy the client apparatus may be appropriately set.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of aninformation processing system according to a third embodiment of thepresent disclosure. An information processing system 300 includes aclient apparatus 320, a first node 340, and two second nodes 350 a and350 b.

Although FIG. 16 shows the single first node 340, a plurality of firstnodes may be arranged, for example. Also in such a case, the techniqueaccording to this embodiment is applicable with the plurality of firstnodes being considered as the single first node 340.

As shown in FIG. 16, the information processing system 300 is providedwith the plurality of second nodes 350 a and 350 b and a plurality oflow-bandwidth paths 370 are ensured. It is assumed that, in such a case,for example, data is read for each scene from the second nodes 350 a and350 b to the first node 340 and cached.

In this case, a plurality of grouped scenes are alternately arranged inthe second nodes 350 a and 350 b. With this, the plurality of scenes arealternately read from the two second nodes 350 a and 350 b, and hence itis possible to reduce a time to transfer data to the first node 340 thatfunctions as a cache memory.

In this embodiment, each scene is further divided and the divideddivision scenes are alternately arranged in the second nodes 350 a and350 b. With this, the efficient access becomes possible. Now, this willbe described in detail.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing moving-image data 312 to be capturedin the information processing system 300 according to this embodiment.FIG. 18 is a view for explaining how to arrange the moving-image data inthe second nodes 350 a and 350 b.

Also in this embodiment, it is assumed that the moving-image data 312grouped into seven scenes S1 to S7 is captured. As shown in FIG. 17,regarding the moving-image data 312, each of the scenes S1 to S7 isdivided into three. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, pieces of odd-numbereddivision data S1 a to S7 c with the division scene S1 a being a head arearranged in the second node 350 b. Further, pieces of even-numbereddivision data S1 b to S7 b with the division scene S1 b being a head arearranged in the second node 350 a.

In this state, it is assumed that the read-ahead cache processing ineach of the use modes shown in FIGS. 13A to 15B is performed. FIGS. 19Aand 19B are schematic views each showing reading of the division sceneswhen the read-ahead cache processing in the effect edit mode shown inFIGS. 13A and 13B is performed.

As shown in FIG. 19A, first, linear block data 317 including a targetframe image of the scene S3 is read. In order to do so, a division sceneS3 a is read from the second node 350 b and then division scene S3 b isread from the second node 350 a.

Next, for reading of read-ahead block data 318 of the scene S2, adivision scene S2 c is read from the second node 350 a and a divisionscene S2 b is read from the second node 350 b. Then, for reading ofread-ahead block data 318 of the scene S4, a division scene S4 a is readfrom the second node 350 a.

In FIG. 19B, for reading of the linear block data 317, the divisionscene S3 b is read from the second node 350 a and a division scene S3 cis read from the second node 350 b. Next, for reading of the read-aheadblock data 318 of the scene S4, the division scene S4 a is read from thesecond node 350 a and a division scene S4 b is read from the second node350 b. Then, for reading of the read-ahead block data 318 of the sceneS5, a division scene S5 a is read from the second node 350 b.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic views each showing reading of thedivision scenes when the read-ahead cache processing in the previewreproduction mode (forward direction) shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

As shown in FIG. 20A, for reading of the linear block data 317, thedivision scene S3 a is read from the second node 350 b and the divisionscene S3 b is read from the second node 350 a. Next, for reading of theread-ahead block data 318 of the scenes S4 and S5, the division scene S4a is read from the second node 350 a and the division scene S5 a is readfrom the second node 350 b. Then, for reading of the read-ahead blockdata 318 of the scene S6, a division scene S6 a is read from the secondnode 350 a.

In FIG. 20B, for reading of the linear block data 317, the divisionscene S3 b is read from the second node 350 a and the division scene S3a is read from the second node 350 b. Next, for reading of theread-ahead block data 318 of the scenes S2 and S1, a division scene S2 ais read from the second node 350 a and the division scene S1 a is readfrom the second node 350 b.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show schematic views each showing reading of thedivision scenes when the read-ahead cache processing in the previewreproduction mode (backward direction) shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B isperformed.

As shown in FIG. 21A, for reading of the linear block data 317, adivision scene S3 c is read from the second node 350 b and the divisionscene S3 b is read from the second node 350 a. Next, for reading of theread-ahead block data 318 of the scenes S4 and S5, a division scene S4 cis read from the second node 350 a and a division scene S5 c is readfrom the second node 350 b. Then, for reading of the read-ahead blockdata 318 of the scene S6, a division scene S6 c is read from the secondnode 350 a.

In FIG. 21B, for reading of the linear block data 317, the divisionscene S3 c is read from the second node 350 b and the division scene S3b is read from the second node 350 a. Next, for reading of theread-ahead block data 318 of the scenes S2 and S1, the division scene S2c is read from the second node 350 a and a division scene S1 c is readfrom the second node 350 b.

When the linear block data 317 and the read-ahead block data 318 aretransferred to the first node 340, it is possible to reduce a datatransfer time if data is alternately read from the second nodes 350 aand 350 b. Based on the data volume of each of the scenes S1 to S7, thevolume of the respective block data, the number of scenes, the number offirst and second nodes 340 and 350, and the like, each scene may beappropriately divided.

With this, as shown in FIGS. 19A to 20B, the number of times toalternately transfer the division scenes from the second nodes 350 a and350 b to the first node 340 increases. As a result, it is possible toreduce a time for the read-ahead cache processing. In this embodiment,each of the scenes S1 to S7 is divided into three. However, off course,the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Modified Example

Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to theabove-mentioned embodiments and can be variously modified.

For example, FIGS. 22A and 22B are schematic views for explaining amodified example relating to the grouping of the moving-image data. Inthis modified example, according to an instruction by the user, which istransmitted to the storage manager through the client apparatus, theplurality of scenes can be changed. With this, the efficient accessbecomes possible.

As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, out of the plurality of scenes that havebeen subjected to the grouping processing, the plurality of scenesdifferent from each other may be changed as a single scene. In FIGS. 22Aand 22B, out of the scenes S1 to S5, the scenes S2 and S3 are changed asthe single scene S2. That is effective, for example, when it isdesirable to handle two scenes associated with each other as a singlescene.

By the user using, for example, the UI 21 shown in FIG. 11 toappropriately select the head thumbnail images 23 of the respectivescenes S1 to S5, a group change operation is performed. However, theoperation method by the user and the like for performing the groupchange operation processing are not limited.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22B, thumbnail images 423 are generatedat fixed intervals in moving-image data 412. With the thumbnail images423 being references, the user sets an IN-point and an OUT-point. Basedon the IN-point and the OUT-point, group change processing may beperformed.

In the example shown in FIG. 22B, the second half of the scene S1 isspecified as the IN-point and the first half of the scene S3 (beforechange) is specified as the OUT-point. Based on this specification, thescene S2 and the scene S3 are changed as a single scene S2. Matchingbetween the specification of the IN-point and the OUT-point and thegroup change can be appropriately set.

With respect to the moving-image data 12 grouped into the plurality ofscenes S1 to S5 shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the respective scenes S1to S5 may be analyzed. Then, based on the analysis result, theread-ahead target frame image may be read.

For example, it is assumed that the moving-image data is news videodata. In this moving-image data, each scene is analyzed. As a result,out of the plurality of scenes, studio scenes, landscape scenes, newsreporter scenes are determined.

For example, the user may desire to perform predetermined editingprocessing only on the studio scenes. In such a case, for example,according to an instruction from the user, only the studio scenes areselected out of the plurality of scenes. Then, the technique describedabove in each of the embodiments may be applied to the plurality ofselected studio scenes and the read-ahead target frame image may beappropriately read. With this, for example, the read-ahead processingand the like on the plurality of scenes having a high correlation witheach other become possible. Thus, the efficient access is realized.

In the case where metadata is added to each of the plurality of frameimages to be captured, based on the metadata, scene analysis processingmay be performed. When the grouping processing is performed, the sceneanalysis processing result, the metadata, and the like may be used.

Further, the plurality of scenes may be appropriately reduced and used.For example, in a quad-speed reproduction mode or an octuple-speedreproduction mode, using only the odd-numbered or even-numbered scenes,the data output processing and the read-ahead cache processing that aredescribed above may be performed.

In the above description, when the file output apparatus captures thematerial data, the grouping processing is performed on the materialdata. Alternatively, this grouping processing may be performed atanother timing.

That is, upon capture of the material data, the consecutive data beforegrouping into the plurality of groups is stored as it is. The materialdata may be stored on the single second node and may be divided for eachpredetermined volume. This division is processing to be performed forstoring the whole of the material data. Then, at a predetermined timingbefore the access request from the client apparatus is received, theconsecutive data is grouped into the plurality of groups and stored.

The predetermined timing is limited. For example, a timing at which theaccess request from the external apparatus can be appropriately copedwith is adopted. Alternatively, after the access request is received,the grouping processing may be performed.

For example, in some cases, the material data is captured when aplurality of client apparatuses concurrently access. In such cases, ifthe grouping processing on the material data are sequentially performed,processing loads of the first node, the control apparatus, and the likeadversely increases. In addition, a time for data output to a pluralityof client apparatuses also increases. Therefore, the material data isstored as it is, that is, as a large file and the grouping processing isperformed at a timing at which the processing loads of the first node,the control apparatus, and the like are lower. With this, it is possibleto prevent the data output to the client apparatus from being delayed.

It should be noted that, in the above description, the groupingprocessing is performed by the first node. However, a PC or the like forexecuting the grouping processing may be separately provided. Further,the first node may function also as the control apparatus. In this case,the first node includes the storage manager.

In the above description, the output capability of the nodes isclassified into two phases. However, it may be classified into morephases. For example, the output capability may be classified into threephases and a high-bandwidth node, a medium-bandwidth node, and thelow-bandwidth node may be set. Appropriately using those nodes, theinformation processing system may be realized as an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

In the above description, the moving-image data is used as theconsecutive data. However, music data and the like may be used. Forexample, in the music data, the introduction, refrain, and interludeparts are detected. Then, the music data is grouped into the parts andstored. The technique described above in each of the embodiments may beapplied to the thus stored music data.

In the above description, the control apparatus, the first node, and thesecond node are separately provided. However, for example, a singlecomputer such as a PC may execute the above-mentioned informationprocessing method. That is, the computer includes a grouping unit, anoutput unit, and a reading unit that are realized by a CPU that operatesaccording to a program. Further, the computer includes a first storageunit having a high bandwidth and a second storage unit having a lowbandwidth.

The grouping unit groups temporally consecutive data into a plurality ofgroups based on a reference defined in advance. The output unit reads,in response to an access request from an external apparatus, target datato be a target of the request from a first group including the targetdata and outputs the read target data to the external apparatus throughthe first storage unit. The reading unit reads, in response to thereading of the target data by the output unit, at least part of dataincluded in a second group different from the first group from thesecond storage unit as read-ahead data and stores the read data on thefirst storage unit.

By the single computer having such a configuration, the informationprocessing method according to the present disclosure may be executed.With this, the information processing apparatus and the programaccording to the embodiments of the present disclosure are realized.

Appropriate combinations of the above-mentioned embodiments and modifiedexample may be adopted as embodiments according to the presentdisclosure.

It should be noted that the present disclosure may also take thefollowing configurations.

(1) An information processing method, including:

grouping temporally consecutive data into a plurality of groups based ona reference defined in advance and storing the grouped data;

reading, in response to an access request from an external apparatus,target data to be a target of the request from a first group includingthe target data and outputting the read target data to the externalapparatus; and

reading, in response to the reading of the target data, at least part ofdata from a second group different from the first group as read-aheadtarget data.

(2) The information processing method according to Item (1), in which

the temporally consecutive data is a plurality of temporally consecutiveframe images,

the plurality of groups each include at least one or more of the frameimages,

the target data is a target frame image to be the target of the request,and

the read-ahead target data is at least one or more of the frame imagesincluded in the second group.

(3) The information processing method according to Item (2), in which

the grouping temporally consecutive data includes storing the pluralityof frame images by a first storage unit configured to store the frameimages and to have a first output capability for outputting the storedframe images and by a second storage unit configured to have a secondoutput capability lower than the first output capability,

the reading target data includes outputting the target frame imagestored on the first storage unit to the external apparatus, and

the reading at least part of data includes reading the read-ahead targetframe image as the read-ahead target data from the second storage unitand causing the first storage unit to store the read-ahead target frameimage.

(4) The information processing method according to Item (2) or (3), inwhich

the reference defined in advance is grouping for each scene, and

the grouping temporally consecutive data includes grouping the pluralityof frame images into a plurality of scenes as the plurality of groupsand storing the grouped frame images.

(5) The information processing method according to item (4), furtherincluding:

analyzing each of the plurality of scenes, in which

the reading at least part of data includes reading the read-ahead targetframe image based on the analysis result.

(6) The information processing method according to any one of Items (2)to (5), in which

the grouping temporally consecutive data includes storing the pluralityof frame images by a plurality of first storage units and a plurality ofsecond storage units.

(7) The information processing method according to any one of Items (2)to (6), further including:

receiving, from the external apparatus, use mode information of thetarget frame image, in which

the reading at least part of data includes the read-ahead target frameimage based on the received use mode information.

(8) The information processing method according to any one of Items (1)to (7), further including:

changing the plurality of groups according to an instruction from auser, the instruction being transmitted through the external apparatus.

(9) The information processing method according to any one of Items (1)to (8), in which

the grouping temporally consecutive data includes storing theconsecutive data before grouping into the plurality of groups andgrouping, at a predetermined timing before the access request from theexternal apparatus is received, the stored consecutive data into theplurality of groups and storing the grouped data.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosedin Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2011-200442 filed in theJapan Patent Office on Sep. 14, 2011, the entire content of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing method, comprising:grouping temporally consecutive data, which is a plurality ofconsecutive frame images, into a plurality of groups based on areference defined in advance and storing the grouped data, wherein theplurality of groups each include at least one or more of the frameimages, and wherein the grouping temporally consecutive data includesstoring the plurality of frame images by a first storage unit configuredto store the frame images and to have a first output capability foroutputting the stored frame images and by a second storage unitconfigured to have a second output capability lower than the firstoutput capability; reading, in response to an access request from anexternal apparatus, target data to be a target of the request from afirst group including the target data, wherein the target data is atarget frame image to be the target of the request, and outputting theread target data, including the target frame image stored on the firststorage unit, to the external apparatus; and reading, in response to thereading of the target data, at least part of data from a second groupdifferent from the first group as read-ahead target data, which is atleast one or more of the frame images included in the second group,wherein the reading at least part of data includes reading theread-ahead target frame image as the read-ahead target data from thesecond storage unit and causing the first storage unit to store theread-ahead target frame image.
 2. The information processing methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the reference defined in advance isgrouping for each scene, and the grouping temporally consecutive dataincludes grouping the plurality of frame images into a plurality ofscenes as the plurality of groups and storing the grouped frame images.3. The information processing method according to claim 2, furthercomprising: analyzing each of the plurality of scenes, wherein thereading at least part of data includes reading the read-ahead targetframe image based on the analysis result.
 4. The information processingmethod according to claim 1, wherein the grouping temporally consecutivedata includes storing the plurality of frame images by a plurality offirst storage units and a plurality of second storage units.
 5. Theinformation processing method according to claim 1, further comprising:receiving, from the external apparatus, use mode information of thetarget frame image, wherein the reading at least part of data includesthe read-ahead target frame image based on the received use modeinformation.
 6. The information processing method according to claim 1,further comprising: changing the plurality of groups according to aninstruction from a user, the instruction being transmitted through theexternal apparatus.
 7. The information processing method according toclaim 1, wherein the grouping temporally consecutive data includesstoring the temporally consecutive data before grouping into theplurality of groups and grouping, at a predetermined timing before theaccess request from the external apparatus is received, the storedtemporally consecutive data into the plurality of groups and storing thegrouped data.
 8. An information processing system, comprising: a firststorage apparatus configured to group temporally consecutive data, whichis a plurality of consecutive frame images, into a plurality of groupsbased on a reference defined in advance and store at least part of thetemporally consecutive data and to have a first output capability foroutputting the stored data, wherein the plurality of groups each includeat least one or more of the frame images; a second storage apparatusconfigured to store at least part of the data grouped into the pluralityof groups and to have a second output capability for outputting thestored data, the second output capability being lower than the firstoutput capability; and a control apparatus configured to read, inresponse to an access request from an external apparatus, target data tobe a target of the request from a first group including the target data,wherein the target data is a target frame image to be the target of therequest, and cause the first storage apparatus to output the read targetdata to the external apparatus, including the target frame image storedon the first storage unit, and to cause, in response to the reading ofthe target data, the second storage apparatus to output at least part ofdata included in a second group different from the first group to thefirst storage apparatus as read-ahead target data, which is at least oneor more of the frame images included in the second group, wherein theoutput of at least part of data includes outputting the read-aheadtarget frame image as the read-ahead target data from the second storageunit and causing the first storage unit to store the read-ahead targetframe image.
 9. An information processing apparatus, comprising: agrouping unit configured to group temporally consecutive data, which isa plurality of consecutive frame images, into a plurality of groupsbased on a reference defined in advance, wherein the plurality of groupseach include at least one or more of the frame images; a first storageunit configured to store at least part of the data grouped into theplurality of groups and to have a first output capability for outputtingthe stored data; a second storage unit configured to store at least partof the data grouped into the plurality of groups and to have a secondoutput capability for outputting the stored data, the second outputcapability being lower than the first output capability; an output unitconfigured to read, in response to an access request from an externalapparatus, target data to be a target of the request from a first groupincluding the target data, wherein the target data is a target frameimage to be the target of the request, and to output the read targetdata, including the target frame image stored on the first storage unit,to the external apparatus through the first storage unit; and a readingunit configured to read, in response to the reading of the target databy the output unit, at least part of data included in a second groupdifferent from the first group from the second storage unit asread-ahead data and to cause the first storage unit to store the readdata.
 10. A non-tangible computer-readable medium having a set ofcomputer-executable instructions embodied thereon that causes a computerto function as: a grouping unit configured to group temporallyconsecutive data, which is a plurality of consecutive frame images, intoa plurality of groups based on a reference defined in advance, whereinthe plurality of groups each include at least one or more of the frameimages; a first storage unit configured to store at least part of thedata grouped into the plurality of groups and to have a first outputcapability for outputting the stored data; a second storage unitconfigured to store at least part of the data grouped into the pluralityof groups and to have a second output capability for outputting thestored data, the second output capability being lower than the firstoutput capability; an output unit configured to read, in response to anaccess request from an external apparatus, target data to be a target ofthe request from a first group including the target data, wherein thetarget data is a target frame image to be the target of the request, andto output the read target data, including the target frame image storedon the first storage unit, to the external apparatus through the firststorage unit; and a reading unit configured to read, in response to thereading of the target data by the output unit, at least part of dataincluded in a second group different from the first group from thesecond storage unit as read-ahead data and to cause the first storageunit to store the read data.
 11. The information processing systemaccording to claim 8, further comprising: a storage manager configuredto receive, from the external apparatus, use mode information of thetarget data, wherein the received use mode information of the targetdata determines a part of the second group which is to be output as theread-ahead target data.
 12. The information processing system accordingto claim 11, wherein the received use mode information of the targetdata determines whether an initial part, a terminal part, or a middlepart of the second group is to be output as the read-ahead target data.